Police name baby mauled by dog

The scene where an 11 month old baby has been mauled to death a dog in Emily Street, Blackburn

A baby girl mauled by a dog has been named as Ava-Jayne Marie Corless.

The 11-month-old was attacked at a house in Emily Street, Blackburn, on Monday night and died at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Two people arrested at the scene on suspicion of child neglect were later re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The dog was seized by police.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bithell said: “This is an absolutely horrific incident in which a baby girl lost her life and we would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy to the wider family.

“The circumstances of the incident are that at around 11pm on Monday 10 February, police were called by the ambulance service to an address on Emily Street following reports that an 11 month old baby girl had been mauled by a pet dog.

“Police officers who attended performed CPR on the baby alongside paramedics before she was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital. Sadly she passed away at hospital a short time later. A Home Office Post Mortem examination will be carried out later today to establish exactly how she died.

“Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries at the scene and investigate the circumstances of what has happened.

“A 26 year old man and a 20 year old woman both been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and manslaughter and are currently in police custody. They will be questioned during the course of the day.

“Family liaison officers have been put in place to offer support to the wider family of the baby.

“The dog involved was destroyed at the scene - tests will be carried out to establish the exact breed of the dog involved and we are making enquiries into the history of the animal.